Tascam’s latest recording creation, the Tascam DR-10C was presented to us earlier today during Japan’s largest broadcasting exhibition, Inter BEE 2016. The DR-10 family of recorders is continuing to grow, and by doing so is trying to cater the different needs of different users.
Besides being extremely small and versatile, the core feature of these recorders is the ability to record in a dual level adjustment mode. This help protect audio levels, which is particularly useful as these body pack sized recorders are intended to be carried by the interviewee and can’t be monitored remotely.
I’m yet to be convinced that this is indeed a safe enough way to work, and haven’t completely let go with my audio recordings yet, BUT the new Tascam DR-10C is actually trying to solve a completely different problem. Have you ever been is a situation where you used your wireless audio device and suddenly had some sound “drop outs” or interference? Well, it has happened to me, and obviously in a situation like this you are faced with two options. You either stop the video recording and politely ask to do the whole sequence again (not always possible if it is a documentary-style shooting), or move around until you find a spot that doesn’t break your sound, a useless exercise in most cases.
Here’s where the Tascam DR10-C comes to the rescue. Simply connect it to your lavalier microphone, then connect the Tascam recorder to your wireless transmitter. By doing so, you will get a clean audio copy on that mini portable recorder regardless of any possible interferences further down the signal chain. Neat solution for a very common problem.
At this stage, the Tascam DR-10C is only available in Japan and Europe. For full specifications and native wireless device compatibility, please head over to Tascam’s page.
What do you think? Could this be the device that will save the day? Let us know in the comments section.

The Tascam DR-100 MK III is the latest release by one of the industry leaders in field audio recording. It comes as a new update to their flagship DR-100 recording product line, and includes a couple of very nice upgrades that allow for recording of better and longer uninterrupted audio.
Long a favorite of DSLR shooters, Tascam recorders are widely known for their portability and being audio capture workhorses out on location. Look into any one-man-band kitbag out there and you’re very likely to find a Tascam recorder of some sort.
As opposed to the MK II, the Tascam DR-100 MK III allows for recording onto SDXC (not SDHC!) cards up to 128GB. Given the relative size of audio versus video files, you’ll likely be recording all week on a single card if you choose, although I would recommend offloading after each shoot day. You also see a bump up in file quality with the new 24-Bit/192 kHz option, where it’s predecessor only allowed for 24-Bit/96kHz recording.
A standout feature for me is the dual-battery design featuring a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable, as well as the normal capability to use AA batteries. This is perfect for long interviews or concerts: situations where you will want to swap batteries without halting recording.
The Tascam DR-100 MK III is also built around an aluminium frame, giving it some added drop protection in the field.
MAIN PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:
2 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs
A second dual-record mode captures WAV and MP3 files simultaneously
Dual-battery design uses a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable and AA batteries for extended recording times
On-Board A/B Stereo Microphone
Records up to 24-Bit/192 kHz
Records to SDXC Cards up to 128GB
Aluminum Chasis
Low-noise HDDA microphone preamps
Phantom Power
The Tascam DR-100 MK III is available now from B&H HERE, or the link below.

Tascam was kind enough to send us their new creation, the DR-10SG. It is a combination of a standalone mountable mini audio recorder, as well as a directional shotgun microphone that you can connect to your DSLR mic jack. This new device is aimed towards “on the go shooters” who seek a better audio quality than the one their build-in camera microphone offers.
As we all know, some of the latest cameras from respected manufacturers do not offer a way to monitor sound. Maybe the biggest selling point for this device is the ability to monitor audio levels when connected to cameras without a headphone jack, with the Sony a6300 being a good example. In order to do that, you will need the Tascam DR-10SG and a mini jack 3.5mm splitter. One thing to consider: if you are looking for greater flexibility in regards to connecting professional microphones and wireless audio receiver to your camera or a recorder, then you might want to look at Tascam’s other offering, the DR-10X, a micro audio XLR recorder device that, at least on paper, looks as a perfect flexible mini recorder.
Back to the Tascam DR-10SG. Here are its main specifications at a glance:
Recording Media: microSD card (64 MB to 2 GB), microSDHC card (4 GB to 32 GB)
Recording Format: 16/24-bit @ 44.1/48 kHz
Mic Polarity: Super cardioid
Analog Outputs: Camera Out/Phones: 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo mini-jack (dual-mono signal)
USB micro-B
Power: 1 x AAA battery
USB bus power
Power Consumption: 0.75 W (maximum)
Battery Operating Time: (48 kHz/24-bit, Limiter/ Dual Rec: Off, File type: Mono), Lithium 15:00 hours, NiMH Battery 7:30 hours, Alkaline 8:30 hours.
Dimensions (W x H x D) 2.1 x 6.6 x 2.8″ (53 x 168 x 70.3 mm)
Weight 3.9 oz (110 g) including batteries
Pros:
The DR-10SG is very lightweight and will sit comfortably on your camera hot shoe.
The audio quality is sufficient for a run & gun shooting style and features adjustable EQ.
One triple-A battery will last for a good few hours and the device can also be powered externally via a USB connector.
You can record dual audio tracks in 2 different recording levels. I suggest not to fiddle with levels while shooting as the buttons are tiny…
So what needs improvement?
The device feels plasticky. I hope it can survive the daily filming routine.
What is really missing out of the box is an additional proper wind shield cover. The one provided is not enough.
Normal iPhone earbuds won’t work for monitoring. I guess it is an impedance thing…
You can’t start recording while browsing the menu. You need to exit the menu first, and then start recording.
Conclusion:
Personally, I wish that the mic polarity would have been even narrower. In addition, although the microphone itself has a nice suspension, it will easily pick up handling noise when operating the camera, so either place your camera on a rig or touch it gently while shooting.
Also, don’t expect the Tascam DR-10SG to replace your soundman or dedicated audio system. On the other hand, when running & gunning, this additional device will certainly produce better audio results from your built-in camera microphone. Furthermore, the built-in mini recorder will yield better audio recordings in comparison to the many of the DSLR/mirrorless cameras out there.

Japanese audio accessory maker Tascam has announced a newcomer to their growing family of audio recorders, the Tascam DR701D. We’re at Inter Bee 2015 and took a closer look at the new unit.
The uniqueness of this recorder is definitely a feature that lets you perfectly sync with the camera it is connected to by triggering the start/stop of recordings via HDMI connection.
I’m sure you will agree it is a very smart move from Tascam to include such a feature as we all learned to hate pressing REC buttons twice (Not to mention the times we forgot to press the REC button on the audio recorder…) and sync audio and video files in post.
As a sidenote: I was very curious to find out if sales of external audio recorders had declined because of the latest development of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, that achieve better audio recordings internally. I was very surprised to hear from several sources that sales have actually increased!
The main features of the new Tascam DR701D audio recorder:
Record 4 Channels + Stereo Mix
4 XLR/TRS Inputs with Phantom Power
Dual Built-In Omnidirectional Mics
Stereo 3.5mm In for Stereo Mic
3.5mm Camera In/Out
BNC In for Sync to LTC
HDMI In Can Receive Timecode From Camera
HDMI Out Can Send Audio & Incoming Video
Records Up to 24-Bit/192kHz
Mount to DSLR or Tripod
The new Tascam DR701D is already available for pre-order and expected to start shipping in about two months.

Here is a piece of audio equipment which was introduced earlier this year and somehow was overlooked by us, but now after seeing it at NAB I am convinced it has a place inside any news-shooter’s bag . If you are looking for a micro audio XLR recorder, the Tascam DR-10X is the one to get.
The Tascam DR-10X is a micro plug-in linear PCM recorder for XLR connection devices. It will work best with dynamic or battery-powered condenser microphone with XLR output. It attaches to a handheld microphone and designed to capture audio during interviews, press conferences and meetings. It can capture audio at Broadcast standard 48kHz/24-bit in WAV format. The DR-10X has both manual and automatic gain settings, with a low cut filter and limiter to prevent overloads. One of the problems you might have when using this recorder is the difficulty to monitor a correct audio level when plugging headphones is not possible, so that’s where the “Dual Recording mode” comes handy. It captures a copy of the audio at a lower level, so if there is distortion you have a backup safety. Other then that, the mic connector has a locking mechanism that ensures a tight fit to the microphone body giving the entire assembly a solid feel. Depending on the camera you are currently using, syncing audio might be a requirement but when recording interviews or reporting that requires high audio quality, a field recorder is normally needed, but for small-scale reporting you can record high-quality audio with just a microphone and the DR-10X. No need to carry bulky equipment.
Below is a short product introduction video made by our friends at B&H.
Summery highlights of the Tascam DR-10X:
-Sliding record button and hold function to prevent missoperation during recording
-Dual-recording for simultaneously creating a safety track at a lower level
-Before the battery charge runs out, automatic file closing prevents the loss of already recorded data
-Playback function allows recordings to be checked and headphones output enables input monitoring
-XLR plug-on connection
-Automatic/manual level function selection
-Records on a single AAA battery
On the downside:
-Somehow plasticky feel
-If you are using normal SD cards, make sure they don’t exceed 2GB otherwise they won’t be recognised by the recorder. The full approved SDHC cards list can be found here
-One mono channel recording only
R-10X SPECIFICATIONS
Recording media microSD card(64MB to 2GB), microSDHC card(4GB to 32GB)
Media discharging Push-Push type (Guard cover mounted)
Recording format WAV(BWF)
Sampling frequency 48kHz
Quantization bit rate 24bit
Number of channels 1-channel (Mono)
Analog audio iInputs
Connector XLR-3-31
Input Impedance 10k ohm or more
MIC input gain LOW / MID / HIGH
PHONES Connector 3.5mm(1/8″) stereo mini jack (DUAL MONO)
USB Connector Micro-B type 4pin
Power 1 AAA batteries (Alkaline or NiMH), USB bus power
Battery Operation Time Alkaline batteries (EVOLTA) About 10 hours
Battery (RTC) Lithium × 1(built in with soldering)
Dimensions 52(W) × 94.4(H) × 28(D) mm
Weight 68.3g (including batteries) / 56.3g (without batteries)
Accessories USB cable, Owner’s Manual (including warranty)
For a full product description, head to Tascam’s site

Tascam has released a new audio recorder; the 4-channel DR-70D has a slim line design to sit snugly alongside your DSLR or mirrorless camera. With a slanted screen, independent gain control per 4 balanced channel and 3.5mm output & loop through for monitoring, the Tascam DR-70D provides a great companion for operators seeking better audio from a XLR-less camera setup.
Check out this highly informative video from our friends over at B&H on the Tascam DR-70D.
The Tascam DR-70D utilizes 4 balanced, independent XLR/ 1/4″ jack inputs, as well as dual built-in omnidirectional microphones. An unbalanced 3.5mm stereo input for channels 1/2 is also available, which produces plug in power.
It records to SD/SDHC/SDXC media up to 128GB as well as having a 3.5mm output for reference audio to your camera. Separate to this is an additional 3.5mm out for headphone monitoring, as well as third input for loop through to monitor camera audio.
It records audio in BWAV format up to 24bit 96k. Primarily powered by 4x AA batteries, but also taking power from the USB slot.
A selection of additional features includes a limiter and high-pass filter, as well a tone for slate function.
The DR-70D is slimmer than predecessors making its ergonomics great for on-camera setups. It can be screwed onto the base of a camera, or on top via cold shoe connection.
However, despite its firm affiliation with an on-camera solution, its also well positioned for a stand alone, portable 4-channel recorder; the two large strap loops allow for this form factor.
With the increasing exclusion of decent audio in video stills cameras (in a bid to drill down initial price tags) it’s nice to see versatile, professional solutions like this.
Further more from Tascam is an update to the DR-60D, conveniently named the DR-60Dmkii. The update brings upgraded HDDA microphone preamps that provide up to 64dB of gain.
Like the Zoom H4N, the DR-60Dmkii has two XLRs and shares its 3&4 channels over single stereo input (different from the DR-70D that has 4 independent channels).
The Tascam DR-60Dmkii can be distinguished by metallic red strap loops (over silver on the mark i) putting it inline with the aesthetics of the DR-70D.